Cheney’s Austin Kautzman (14) finds running room and grinds out some of the 107 yards he gained in Cheney’s 28-19 victory at Clarkston. The win, along with losses by other GNL teams, earned the Blackhawks a berth in the playoffs.

But the Cheney football team isn’t normal. The Blackhawks overcame these obstacles with a three-touchdown performance from quarterback Andrew Graham and a defense that created opportunities by intercepting Clarkston quarterback Austin Hansen five times for a 28-19 win in Clarkston.

Cheney’s win combined with East Valley’s 35-24 victory over Deer Park and Colville’s 26-20 upset of Great Northern League leader Pullman forced a four-way tie between...